Wednesday 20 May 2015 17:10, UK
Charlie Nicholas says Sunderland will attempt to replicate Swansea’s stifling tactics on Wednesday night in an attempt to secure survival.
The Black Cats only need a point to ensure their place in the Premier League next season as they sit three points ahead of 18th-placed Hull, although an inferior goal difference means that defeat will see them still in danger come Sunday's final round of fixtures.
Dick Avocaat’s men failed to find the net against Leicester on Saturday despite fielding three strikers, and Nicholas believes the Dutchman will repeat the Swans’ tactics last Monday, when Garry Monk oversaw a 1-0 win despite starting without a recognised frontman.
The Soccer Saturday pundit said: “I watched Sunderland on Saturday. It wasn’t a great game but I enjoyed it because it was tense, as you can imagine – it’s all about getting points when you’re at the bottom, and Leicester did enough to stay up.
“Advocaat went for a front three and that to me says he wanted to be more creative and take some risks, but I’ve got a feeling he’ll change that for Arsenal.
“He’ll look at the Swansea video and he’ll probably think a draw is doable, so I think he’ll flood the midfield with maybe just one up front on Wednesday.”
However, Nicholas is confident that his former club will be capable of breaking down Wednesday night’s visitors, leaving the Black Cats in trouble come Sunday’s showdown with Chelsea.
He added: “I think Arsenal’s determination to get third, at least, will see them win this game quite comfortably.
“I don’t see Sunderland getting anything at Arsenal or at Chelsea – even if Jose Mourinho fields a weakened team – so they’re going to have to hope Hull don’t beat Manchester United.”
Arsene Wenger may decide to rotate as third place looks all but assured for the Gunners, with Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere keen to prove points following their respective returns from injury.
“I don’t think Wenger will change things too much," Nicholas added. "But I do think Jack and Theo have made a point, they’re very much a part of this squad, but I personally would try Walcott through the middle and leave Giroud on the bench, because he hasn’t played overly well recently.
“I thought Wilshere looked sharp when he’s come on of late and that was also the sharpest I’ve seen Walcott in a while at Old Trafford, so there have been some positives despite only one point from two games.
“The only player that I could see Jack taking over from is Santi Cazorla, who didn’t have a great game on Sunday, so Wenger might consider that change.”